Armed Forces Day 2020: History, Date, Celebrations Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The U.S. celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Armed Forces Day, Saturday (May 16). It is the day to celebrate the five branches of the U.S. military – the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard.

History of Armed Forces Day

Former Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the Armed Forces Day on Aug. 31, 1949. The tradition of a single-day celebration was started after the unification of the forces under the Department of Defense.

President Harry S. Truman praised the work of the armed forces in a speech announcing the formation of the day.

“Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense,” Truman said in the Presidential Proclamation on the first Armed Forces Day.

The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was "Teamed for Defense." According to its official website, the theme was chosen to commemorate “the unification of all the military forces under a single department of the government.”

When is Armed Forces Day celebrated?

The third Saturday in May is celebrated as Armed Forces Day. It is the day when Americans honor the active-duty and former military service members.

Armed Forces 2020 celebrations

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the nation will honor the armed forces. The service members continue to serve the country and fight this new enemy – COVID-19.

President Donald Trump signed the Armed Forces Day 2020 Proclamation, Friday (May 15).

“Today, many of our service members have been called into action on the home front to aid in our fight against a new type of enemy — the coronavirus,” the proclamation said.

Trump was also presented with the official flag of the U.S. Space Force (USSF).

“This year, we also celebrate the historic creation of the United States Space Force, the first new military branch since the establishment of the United States Air Force more than 70 years ago. We recognize that to combat the evolving threats of a 21st-century world, we must look to the newest warfighting domain and address malign activities in space,” the proclamation noted.

Meanwhile, Trump encouraged people to display the American flag at their homes and businesses on Armed Forces Day. He urged the citizens to learn more about the service by “attending and participating in the local observances of the day.”